What’s in a Name? The Controversy over “Disorders of Sex Development”

by Katrina on September 23, 2008

There’s been no shortage of debate about the change in nomenclature for intersex conditions recommended in the 2006 Consensus Statement. The debate over the new term— “disorders of sex development”—has proven incredibly heated because it is deeply, achingly personal, centering on who gets to define, determine, and label the truth of one’s life.

Ellen Feder and I have a commentary in the latest Hastings Center Report where we discuss why the issue has been polarizing and what we think the shift can—and cannot—accomplish. It’s in the September/October issue and they are making it available free online later this week. For now, it’s here.

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